Hello from Asia!

Hi everyone! So it has been quite some time since anything has been posted here but travels have been going well and I have some great photos and experiences to share!

Landed first in beautiful and of course familiar Malaysia (KLIA)! Greener than ever, I was thankful to finally be with my parents after such a long time apart! I was also thankful to be in close reach of the irreplaceable local Malay food! Within hours of arriving home, we headed for a wonderful restaurant in the Bangsar Village area called Chawan for some great local delights. It wasnt long till I was delighted with the fresh aromas of Malaysian food and spices, greatly pleasing my eager senses. Id been craving these feelings for a long long time!

Nasi Lemak! yummm!

Later in the week, after adjusting and adapting to the country change, it was time I gave my body a little TLC and treat. As a Christmas gift, my mother gave RJ and I the "Ok" to enjoy Hammam Baths and the exotic treatments they have to offer. We went for the classic Hammam and Gommage with the extra Henna for a smooth, hydrated complexion. If you have no idea about what Im going on about, its basically an intense bath, mud, scrub, rinse, hydrate process that originated in Morocco for royalty (they say it was a favorite of Cleopatra herself :P). My skin was unbelievably smooth, radiant and glowing after the experience and we were able to relax in the lounge like chairs, sip tea and savor a sweet baklava treat. I definitely recommend this to everyone (both men and women), its an experience well worth it and effective! Go to www.hammambaths.com to find out more information on prices and the services they offer!

Upcoming in the agenda: a trip to the comfortable and fun Riders Lodge nestled in the jungle of Sedenak, Johor, New Years in Phi Phi Island Thailand, exciting singapore, more of KL and lots of exciting experiences to come!! :)

A success!

Just wanted to let everyone know- the Cupcake etc Event was a SUCCESS!!

Thanks to everyone who purchased boxes and bags! I sold about 18 cupcake boxes and 30 chocolate chip cookie dough pop bags!!

Im very thankful for the kindness and heart those of you who helped with this cause, and I hope that you all enjoyed your little treats of yumminess!!

Till the next Cupcakes etc Event!! Thank you all!

My Favorite Fitness Gifts to Give!

Today I've compiled my selection of my favorites gifts for the holiday season! There's something for everyone in this list at every price! Click on the links to get one for yourself to give our simply enjoy on your own! :)

The Fitness Gal:

  a) Fitness tone ball!! These bouncy balls are great for home workouts or even any workout at the park, beach, hotel room, etc! The places are endless! This is a great idea for a fitness girl especially if going to a gym or fitness facility isn't convenient. These balls are great for core workouts, balance training and yoga/pilates series! Personally, I always incorporate this piece of equipment into my workouts! Best thing too is it isn't expensive at all!

Here's a wonderful, reliable and good priced ball: Tone Fitness 65cm Anti-burst Stability Ball

  b) Yogi Gifts! Yoga and pilates themed gifts are great options for the women in your life! Listed below are some of my favorite place to get yoga and pilates gifts for myself and others! :)

• Splits59 Apparel- its comfortable, great to workout in (no matter what type of workout), and it looks awesome so you can go from work to workout without changing! 
• Wai Lana Yogi Bars- Delicious so good for you bars that have an awesome zen vibe to them!
• Toe Soxs- NOT JUST ORDINARY TOE SOX these are awareness toesox which is always so so so much better! These socks are perfect for pilates as they have little rubber dots on the soles of the socks making foot work and reformer work more effective and less slipy slidey! 

For both Men and Women: 

Hot Body Pilates DVD! Buy this Pilates based workout on DVD by Hot body pilates and you'll get to workout with head instructor Kloey Hanson as she shows you how to get that Hot Body! RJ and I tried out the DVD and we're not only hooked on it, but sore and sweaty every time we do this revolutionary, one of a kind workout! Get it here on amazon or go to the Hot Body Website! 

The Fitness Guy:

  a) Water-proof Headphones! These "mi sport" headphones are almost too good to be true! They're super hi-tech, waterproof headphones that resist sweat and you can even swim in them! Click on the link to see these amazing headphones!

  b) Vapur water! This is a new concept of drinking bottle. Its no so much a bottle, more like a flat bag/pouch! It stores way more convenient and you're helping the environment! They come in all different sizes and the brand even is helping the UNICEF tap project! Sounds like a good deal to me! Click on the link to see this new concept!

c) Leather Jump Rope! A take anywhere you go, anytime workout equipment that is not only one of the best cardio exercises to do but also can be done anywhere! There's several types out there even ones with weights in the handles! Try walmart, target or any sports store and you'll find a variety at all sorts of prices! Click on the link to go to Everlast's leather weighted jump rope!

For the Equestrian Athlete:

The classic GPA

  a) The GPA Helmet! My own choice for a helmet, this gift says to your equestrian athlete "I care about you safety". One of the safest, most reliable and best looking helmet- the GPA is sold in every tack shop and online store for a reason!  Its a great gift for the equestrian athlete in your life! My favorite design is the titanium but the speed air is a great one too!  Here is a link to where it's sold in San diego, CA----> Mary's Tack

The Titanium

The GPA Speed Air

b) Equestrian Themed Gifts! Back in the Saddle is a great website for finding the cutest gifts for equestrians! Check it out here!

"Cupcakes Etc" for Charity!

Hi everyone! So this Christmas who wouldn't want 1) some treats 2) to put a smile on a child's face?!?!?!

Well this Xmas you can purchase a Cupcake box of 4 cupcakes ($4.00) OR a Cookie dough Pop bag of 4 pops ($3.00) and all of the money collect is going to St Germain Children's Home! These Kids will smile because your donations and Ill of course be whipping up treats for them too :)

So feel free to email me ellesset@yahoo.com IF you live in the city of SD area for your purchase of treats!! Here's the description from the event on facebook for more info!

"From today until sunday purchase one of my Cupcake Boxes or cookie pops as a xmas treat or maybe as a study buddy for finals and every penny you pay for it is going to a wonderful children's charity! (if you came to the thanksgiving dinner event its the same children's home for abused and neglected children!!)

The Options!

Cupcake Option ($4.00 for a box of 4 good size cupcakes!)- A box of 4 cupcakes! Choose out of these flavors- you can mix it up, 2 by 2 it or have all four the same flavor! 


a)Roasted Banana w/ honey cinnamon cream cheese frosting 
b)Banana chocolate chip w/ Peanut butter frosting 
c) Vanilla Peppermint w/ peppermint butter cream frosting 
d) Chocolate peppermint w/chocolate peppermint ganache 
e) Peanut butter filled Chocolate w/ peanut butter frosting

Cookie Dough Pops option ($3.00 for a bag of 4 bigger than bite-size pops)- A bag of cookie dough pops covered in a shell of milk chocolate! (Think cookie dough on a stick) Dont worry- the way i make it there is no egg what so ever so you are not in danger!

how to order and help the charity!

1) Decide on what you'd like to treat yourself to
2) Facebook message or email me your request/order to ellesset@yahoo.com
3) Include in your message the option, the flavor and where to you'd like these delivered!

Delivery Info: Keep in mind I cant ship or drive these wherever but If its in the city of san diego area and I can get to eat within 40 minutes you got your self some yummies!

4) Wait from 2 to no more than 24 hours for your treats to arrive to ya!
5) Receive your treats, pay with cash, and nom nom nom the rest!

Hope to hear from you all soon! This is going on Today until Sunday (Last delivery is Sunday evening)! Email me if you have questions!

Thanks from yours truly as well as thanks from the kids at St Germain!"

My Favorite Holiday Song Right Now!!

So Im absolutely in love with this holiday song right now! I fell in love with this song when one day I was feeling a little low... sad... tired... and all of a sudden this song came on while listening to Pandora.... I immediately perked up! Toes began to tap... head began swinging and within the first minute I was on my feet twirling round my room to the songs fun, lively, happy beat!! Please enjoy! :) I hope it has the same effect on you all! :)

Fox 5 News Spice Up Your giftlist! :P

I KNOW THE SHOES TOTALLY DONT MATCH RIGHT!!

So... this isnt something you probably see every year around christmas time but hey the story has a point! lol Check out this clip and enjoy the gifts I guess haha

 

Holiday Posts!

Hi everyone!

So asides being BOMBARDED with final exams, projects, etc etc etc... Ive been great! :P I want to let you all know that during the next week or so up to New Years I will be posting Holiday posts! (YAY holidays!)

Now what are holiday posts? Well they can be anything holiday related!! I'll holiday recipes! Holiday gift suggestions! Holiday workouts to burn the holiday recipes! Holiday pictures! Ideas! and of course- I'll keep you updated on my travels of where I am the next month!

This is going to be an exciting holiday and Im so glad you all are having fun with me!

SO KEEP ON COMING AND CHECKING BACK FOR MORE HOLIDAY POSTS!!!

New Jan Kaar Images! :)

Check out these new shots photographed by Jan Kaar!

The Warmth of a Vanilla Chai Cupcake...

If you've never smelt the wonders of freshly ground chai spices (a blend of several different spices) then oh man you are missing out. Try this recipe on a cool chilly day or on a day where you're in need of just that little but more warmth. You can find all the spices at your local Henry's market, whole foods, or organic store. :)







Vanilla Chai Cupcakes


The Chai Spice Mix
-1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-1 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
-1/2 tsp ground ginger
-1/4 tsp ground cloves
-1/4 tsp ground nutmeg







What you need for the cupcakes:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 3 tsp chai spice mix
- 1 1/4 cups flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

What you need for the Buttercream
- 1 cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
- chai spice mix (add the amount you'd like :P)
- 1 tbsp cold milk (add for desired consistency)

What to do:
In a small bowl combine the chai spice mix and set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar. Add the vanilla and beat in the eggs one a time. Stir in 2 tsp of the spice mix. Fold in the flour and buttermilk alternately and stir until combined. Dont over work your batter! Mic together the baking soda and vinegar in a separate bowl, then add it to the batter and mix until combined.

Spoon into prepared muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake in a 325 degrees oven for 15-20 minutes.

Buttercream: 

Beat the butter until creamy. On low speed, mix in the vanilla and chai spice. Slowly beat in powdered sugar about 1/2 to 1 cup at a time. If your frosting is too thick add a little bit of milk to thin it. Then pipe the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and sift powdered sugar for a nice touch :)

Easy, shortcut Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes!

A wonderful treat for the holidays!

So you're rushing and trying to throw together a dinner party for the holidays and after putting all your time, energy and heart into the turkey, ham, potatoes and casserole, you're falling short on passion and energy for dessert! Well do not be afraid! Here's a quick easy recipe for DELICIOUS Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with a yummy honey cinnamon cream cheese frosting!

Here it is!

What you need:

-A box of Spice Cake mic (I like the Duncan Hines Deluxe Spice Cake!)

-1 can on pumpkin puree (Try Libbys or Trader Joes Organic Pumpkin)- Dont use pumpkin pie filling!

-3 large eggs (or egg substitute)

-1/3 cup vegetable oil (or you can do what I did and do half of the 1/3 applesauce and half vegetable oil

-1/3 cup water

-1/2 tsp cinnamon

-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

What to do:

Preheat oven 350, grease muffin cups. 

Blend all ingredients together using an electric mixer until just combined, careful not to overwork your batter. 

Pour into muffin cups 3/4 full.

Bake for 18-22 minutes. Check after 18 minutes with a toothpick- if comes out clean theyre ready! Its better to under cook than overcook!

COOL before frosting!

FROSTING!! Yummm...

What you need:
-1/2 cup butter
-5 oz cream cheese
-1-2 tsp cinnamon
-1-2 tbsp honey
-2-4 cups powdered sugar
-1-2 tbsp milk (for texture)

What to do:
Cream together the butter and cream cheese. Add the cinnamon and honey. Beat in the powder sugar and milk adding the sugar slowly until desired texture! :) Use the star tip of a icing/frosting tool to create those pro looking frosted tops! I also sprinkled some festive sugar sprinkles for the holidays :)

Hope you enjoy this cupcake as much as i did!! :)
xoxo

Some new pics of me from work!

Photographer: Jeff Gotlieb!

More to come! :)

Photographer: Dove Shore

A delicious and successful dinner it was!

Well what a wonderful weekend I had! :) Spent the entire Friday whipping up some delicious thanksgiving recipes for the Fundraising dinner friday night! Cooked several dishes and had such a blast doing so!

Yes there was a little drama though- when we tried to transfer the food to the event room we were unpleasantly surprised by the fact that management had locked the room!! They forgot to tell late night maintenance! :( Luckily... I managed to track down emergency maintenance and phew he had the magic key to open the doors!! Thank the lord! I wasn't sure how I could fit the amount of people into my own living/dining room! :S

Anyway... here are some pictures I managed to take of the food! Could only take a couple coz people were diving in so fast into the food!!! Scroll down to see some of the favorite dishes of the night and the recipes (as a lot of people have requested them)!

Thanks to all who attended and made the night so wonderful! Also thank you to all who donated to St Germaine Childrens Charity- you have made some San Diego children extremely happy and thankful! Will be going out there again soon and will take some photos! :)

Thanks!!

So in this picture you see the pumpkin spice cupcakes w/ cream cheese frosting, pumpkin pie (courtesy of Michael Fox), the stuffing cups and mac & cheese cups, there are the yams, cranberry sauce, and gooey pumpkin pie butter cake bars! :)

In this picture to the right you see the cornbread muffins in a basket, the honey glazed turkey, the gravy, the sides tray (cream corn, mac & cheese, whiskey glazed carrots), next to that is the orange honey glazed ham, the rosemary sage stuffing, then theres the favorite bacon chives mash potatoes, and finally the gravy! :)

The Cupcakes get their close up! :P











RECIPES

Bacon Chives Mashed Potatoes (4-6 servings)

What you need!
- 4 golden yukon potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 heavy cream
- 4 tbsp sweet cream butter
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 8 slices of bacon cooked really crispy and then crumbled by crunchy them in a paper towel in your hands (draws excess oils and fat)
- 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese
- handful of gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

What to do!
- Place potatoes and salt in heavy 4-quart sauce pan and cover with water by 1-inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, cook until potatoes are tender when touched by a fork. (about 20 minutes.) Drain and return to cooking pot. Add the cream, butter, remaining salt, pepper and place pan over medium low heat and mash with a masher to incorporate ingredients beware not to over mash- be gentle, you want a light fluffy texture.  Add the bacon, cheese, sour cream and chives and stir thoroughly until nicely combined. Season to taste with italian herbs, paprika or some garlic powder! (I used all of those! :P) Serve warmed and enjoy!!

More recipes to come of the TURKEY and an easy, extremely quick version of the pumpkin spice babycakes!! :)